I am glad for your reply on the McDow's. I have not yet determined exactly where in the south the McDow's originated, MS, AL, SC, or GA.

My ancestor, Nathan settled in Stephenville, Erath Co., TX in the early 1850's. He had a brother, James Preston (born about 1828, died before 1900) who had a son James (born about 1859, died before 1930). According to the 1860 Federal Census for Erath Co., James lived next to his brother Nathan and his father John. In the 1880 census, James lived in Hill Co., TX. The Texas Archives has information on his service in the Texas Frontier Militia during the Civil War.

Do you know when your James' were born? I would be happy to send you an outline of this family in the event you might recognize family names.